FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL

Cert 15 ★★★★

Digital Sunday, disc March 19 Annette Bening’s BAFTA nomination is scant reward for this terrific performance as Gloria Grahame, a 1950s Oscar winner who has lost her sparkle and is trying to earn a living on stage in England in 1979.

Falling ill she seeks respite at the Merseyside family home of her former lover, the much younger Peter. Played by Billy Elliot star Jamie Bell, the Teessider gives his most complete performance yet.

Based on Peter Turner’s memoir and all the more remarkable for being a true story, it’s a wonderfully warm, funny and touching drama which deserves a bigger audience than it received on the big screen.